DAY 75
SUNDAY 5 MAY, 2013
MIOTAG TO OPINAN – 10 MILES 5 HOURS
MORRIS, DEREK, KEITH, BILL, GEORGE MAC, ALEX AND IAN
TOTAL DISTANCE WALKED SO FAR 1061.5 MILES
Our annual May trip arrived again and seven days walking were planned. We were fortunate to have a dedicated minibus driver, Ian, with us which made all our transport arrangements easy. Another six of our group would join us on Thursday for the last three days. We made our usual early start stopping at Tesco in Inverness for breakfast and fuel before driving on to the start point. Our last days walk in April, finished at Miotag but as we anticipated difficulties crossing Gruinard River and were concerned about walking on this stretch of road we started the days walk just south of Tor Mor. It was light rain when we set off and we made our way from the road down to the lovely Gruinard sands walking along the beach to Little Gruinard where we were forced back onto the road to cross the two rivers which run into the sea at the bay. After a short road walk up a steep hill we took in the wonderful views from the high point before heading back down to the sea edge. The rain had gone off and the sun was shining as we made our way to Second Coast where we again encountered a fast flowing river which we managed to cross by means of an old metal gate. We were able to walk close to the sea passed First Coast and onto Laide where we crossed the stony beach and yet another fast flowing river. After a welcome tea break we continued near the sea edge to Udrigle then moved inland for the climb over Meall nam Meallan. The views from the high point back to the mountains of Coigach and further north were amazing. A steady downhill walk took us to the lovely beach at Mellon Udrigle from where we followed a well walked path to the point at Creag an Eilein and then to the finish of our days walk at Opinan. We then drove to our accommodation in Gairloch where we enjoyed a refreshing pint…….or two.
Summary; A good walk to start the week. Unfortunately a bit of road walking was necessary. Some paths at parts and in general good underfoot conditions. Due to heavy rain of past few days rivers are torrents and burns are rivers,
Highs; Some great views and beaches.
Lows; The bits walking on roads.
CLICK ON IMAGE TO ENLARGE
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- Ready to set off on day one of seven
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- On the lovely sands at Gruinard Bay
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- A great start to a walk on the sands at Gruinard Bay
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- Looking back along Gruinard Bay
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- Looking across the Inverianvie river towards Little Gruinard
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- Looking back over Gruinard Bay towards the beach at Moitag with Gruinard Island on the left.
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- Another view over Gruinard Bay with An Teallach in the background. Taken from the high point above Little Gruinard
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- Viewing our route ahead towards Second Coast
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- A deer fence we had to cross near Second Coast
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- Ruins with an old water wheel near sea edge at Second Coast
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- This unnamed stream at Second Coast was a torrent. Alex making his way across
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- Looking across Gruinard Bay from near First Coast
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- Carefully crossing the river that runs into the sea at Laide
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- View along the rocky beach from Laide
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- View across Gruinard Bay from near Laide where we had lunch
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- Trying to keep close to the sea on the difficult terrain near Udridgle
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- Looking back from the hillside at Meall nam Meallan
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- Derek and George Mac, taking a breather at the top of Meall nam Meallan
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- The sands at Mellon Udrigle
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- Alex cooling his feet in the sea at Mellon Udrigle
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- Looking back along the beach at Mellon Udrigle
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- Looking back to Mellon Udrigle from the high point near Leac an Fhaobhair
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- Alex and George making their way to the high point at Rubha Beag
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- The bay at Leac Mhor
ROUTE MAP – CLICK TO ENLARGE
DAY 75 ROUTE MAP